As the world celebrates world pharmacist day, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the Federal Government to officially designate community pharmacies as primary healthcare centres across the country, stressing their critical role in improving access to healthcare.
Persecondnews reports that the occasion is celebrated every year on September 25 as a way of recognising and celebrating the vital contributions of pharmacists worldwide in improving healthcare and patient outcomes.
National Chairman of ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, made the call on Thursday, September 25, in Abuja at a media briefing to mark the 2025 World Pharmacist Day, themed: “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”.
According to him, community pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients and should therefore be fully integrated into Nigeria’s primary healthcare framework.
“Pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals who provide essential services such as medication expertise, health advice, disease management support, and public health advocacy.
“Their accessibility and willingness to offer free consultations make them vital to patient care,” Ezeh said.
He highlighted pharmacists’ contributions in public health campaigns, including vaccination drives, health screenings, and chronic disease management, while also citing their involvement in disease prevention, opioid stewardship, policy advocacy, and digital health solutions such as telepharmacy.
To strengthen the profession, the ACPN launched the “Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation” initiative, aimed at standardizing career progression for community pharmacists both locally and internationally.
The initiative introduces a five-band career advancement scheme: Community Pharmacist, Senior Community Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist Specialist, Community Pharmacist Senior Specialist, and Community Pharmacist Consultant.
Ezeh said the new structure will improve professional knowledge, enhance patient care, and ensure talent retention within the sector.
“The benefits of this initiative will lead to improved health outcomes for the populace. The time has come for community pharmacies to be recognised as vital components of primary healthcare in Nigeria,” he added.
The ACPN also called on pharmacists nationwide to seize the opportunity of World Pharmacist Day to showcase their impact on health systems and push for policy reforms that reflect their value in national healthcare delivery.
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